Pindari GlacierRegion : Bageshwar District, Kumaon, Uttarakhand Glacier Termination Point : 3,627m Altitude Variation : 3,600m To 5,000m Best Time To Visit : Mid April To May-June & September To November

The Pindari Glacier, in the Bageshwar district, falls in the Kumaon Himalayas and has lured mountaineers and trekkers since the last century. It is one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers. Pindari’s rugged beauty offers a breathtaking sight, especially for the trekker who is in love with nature in all its pristine glory. The Pindari glacier is an unsurpassable and an exhilarating experience.

It lies between the Nanda Devi and Nandakot peaks and terminates at an altitude of 3,627m. The glacier is 5-km long, the snout is about 6 m high and 2.5 m wide and above the snout, the glacier extends for about 3-m in length and 300-400 m in width, between an altitudinal range of about 3,000 m to 5,000 m. the Pindari glacier is located in the Pinder valley between longitudes 790 13’-800 02’ E and latitudes 300 15’ N. It occupies an area of 339.39-sq-kms.

The Pinder River that emerges from the Pindari glacier drains the valley. The river, in its initial course, flows through sedimentary rocks. Further to the south, it meanders through quarts schists. Granite is found in abundance in this area. The Pinder River has cut a gorge in thick glacial deposits upto nearly 10-km, resulting in the formation of spacious glacial terraces spread on both sides of the gorge. Further down, from Phurkia up to khati, places enroute to the pindari glacier, one comes across numerous waterfalls, hanging valleys and tremendous rolls cliffs as the one of at Dwali.

One has to go by road upto song, which can be accessed, from Almora, Bageshwar and Kathgodam and thereafter one has to trek 45-km upto zero point (Pindari glacier). The colour of Pindari glacier is very white and at some places, spots of light blue and brown may also be seen.

Kaphini GlacierRegion : Kumaon, Uttarakhand Glacier Termination Point : 3,627m Altitude Variation : 6,860m To 6,236m Best Time To Visit : Mid April To May-June & September To November

The scenic beauty and the tranquility prevailing in this region has an unbeatable charm. The Kaphini glacier lies left of the Pinder valley below the famous peak of Nandakot. The route to Kaphini glacier covers the same track upto Dwali, as the trek to Pindari. Kaphini glacier is 12-km from Dwali via Byali Udiyar, which is at a distance of 8-km.

From Dwali as compared to Pinder the valley is much broader and the rhododendron that blooms here is spectacularly beautiful. The main Himalayan summits visible from the glacier are Nandakot (6,860 m.) and Nandabhnar (6,236 m). There are no rest houses beyond Dwali on the Kaphini track, so one has to use tents. Byali Udiyar is an ideal spot for a night’s stay, because there are grasslands pitch a tent and caves for a convenient night halt.

Maiktoli GlacierRegion : Kumaon, Uttarakhand Altitude : 4,000m Best Time To Visit : Mid April To May-June & September To November

To the west of the Pindari glacier, situated on the southern slope of the Sunderdhunga Khal, is the 5-km Long Maiktoli glacier. This glacier forms the source of the river flowing on the steep slope for about 25-km before joining the Pindar River at Dhakuri meadows.

The west of Maiktoli glacier is the Mrigthuni glacier, situated on the southern slope of the Mrithuni, Devtoli peaks. It is a 6-km long flow towards the S-E direction of the valley, with the snout opening at elevation of 4,000 m and as a stream, meeting the Sunderdhunga river at Sunderdhunga (3,206-kms) after a trek of 8-km. Towards Khati village upto Jaitoli and a bridle path along the western side of the Sunderdhunga, one reaches at a point from where the Maiktoli and the Mrigthuni glacier become approachable.

Sunderdhunga GlacierRegion : Kumaon, Uttarakhand Altitude Variation : 6,100 m To 6,856 m Peaks Belong To This Glacial Region : Tharkot, Mrigthuni, Maiktoli And Panwalidwar Best Time To Visit : Mid April To May-June & September To November

One can also trek to the Sunderdhunga glacier while in the Pindar region. It is a touch trek as compared to Pindari and Kaphini. Sunderdhunga means the valley of beautiful stones. This valley is situated to the west of the Pindar valley and has two glaciers to offer to trekkers and nature lovers, namely Maiktoli and Sukhram. The route upto village Khati is common for both Pindari and Sunderdhunga glaciers. The peaks, which offer a spectacular view when seen from here, are Tharkot (6,100m), Mrigthuni (6,856m), Maiktoli (6,803m) and Panwalidwar (6,663m).

Sunderdhunga is approximately 24-km from the village Khati. From Khati one has to go to village Jatoli, which is 7-km away. Jatoli is the first night halt en route to Sunderghunga glacier. From Jatoli upto Dhungia Dhaun, about 8-km is a tough trek. One should spend the night in Dhungia Dhaun either in shepherd huts or in pitched tents. Beyond Dhungia Dhaun, it is necessary to take a guide even for experienced and professional trekkers. The next halt is Kathalia, which is 6 to 7-km from Dhungia Dhaun. From Kathalia one can go to both Sukhram and Maiktoli glaciers. They are in opposite directions, 7-km from Kathalia.

Milam Glacier & Ralam GlacierRegion : Kumaon, Uttarakhand Altitude : 2,290m Milam’s Significance : Source Of Milam River & Is A Tributary Of The Pindari River. Best Time To Visit : Mid April To May-June & September To November

Situated on the south-facing slope of the main Himalayan range is the 16-km long, Milam glacier. It originates from the slope of Kohli and Trishul peaks. It acts as the source for the Milam River and a tributary of the Pindar River.

The glacier can be approached from Bageshwar and Pithoragarh upto Munsyari by road. A bridle path nearly 50-km upto Burfu and further 10-km is a route, which approaches the glacier.

Namik GlaciersRegion : Kumaon, Uttarakhand Altitude : 2,290m Significance : Source Of Milam River & Is A Tributary Of The Pindari River. Best Time To Visit : Mid April To May-June & September To November The uppermost catchment of Ramganga east is lesser known and the least travelled region of Kumaon. It is also among the more difficult trekking areas of the higher Himalayas. In one day, one reaches Bala village near the famous Birthi falls on the Thal Munsyari route. On the second day, one can stay at Thala Bugyal.

On the third day before reaching Sudam Khan one has to go through Thal - Thunk, Chafua, Ranthan and Malla Ranthan. On the fourth day after crossing Rahli, Nandakund and the ascent to Rumadhar, the trekker reaches Hiramani glacier. The fifth is the memorable day as one sees the snout of Namik Glacier and the lesser stream coming down from Anargal to meet the main stream, after passing through Jogi Udiyar the ascent of Bhindawali and Penthang.